Two walk away from plane crash near Columbus

An early morning plane crash near the Hacienda Sur Luna air park sent a woman to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the pilot was lucky enough to walk away from the crash.

The pilot has been identified as Richard Chevalier, a resident of the air park in Luna County. The park is seven miles north of Columbus.

The two-seater aircraft went down early Thursday morning approximately two miles south of the air park runway.

"Lt. Steven Gallegos and Sgt. Trini Garcia were quick to respond to the crash this morning," said Luna County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Arturo Baeza. "Not too many can walk away from the a plane crash. They were both very fortunate."

The plane reportedly began having engine problems before it went down. According to the report, the pilot made every effort to land at the air park runway but was not able to reach it, crashing in the desert.

LCSO deputies responded along with New Mexico State Police troopers.

Deputies and State Police helped aid the pilot and female passenger, who has not yet been identified.

According to the report, the woman had a possible broken nose and several scrapes. She was transported to Mimbres Memorial Hospital for observation. The pilot did not go to the hospital and reported to be in good condition.

The air park is privately owned park by a Columbus resident.

The crash is currently under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.